SF 249 (LSB 2363XS (2) 85)

SENATE FILE 249

BY  QUIRMBACH

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use of the term relative in child in need of assistance and termination of parental rights proceedings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 232.2, Code 2013, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  46A.  “Relative” for purposes of divisions III and IV of this chapter includes the parent of a sibling.
    Sec. 2.  Section 232.84, subsection 2, Code 2013, is amended to read as follows:
   2.  Within thirty days after the entry of an order under this chapter transferring custody of a child to an agency for placement, the agency shall exercise due diligence in identifying and providing notice to the child’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings,
 
parents of the child’s siblings, and adult relatives suggested by the child’s parents, subject to exceptions due to the presence of family or domestic violence.
EXPLANATION
   This bill relates to the use of the term “relative” in child in need of assistance and termination of parental rights proceedings. The bill states that “relative” for purposes of child in need of assistance and termination of parental rights proceedings includes the parent of a child’s sibling. The bill also requires the department of human services to provide notice to parents of a child’s siblings within 30 days of an order in a child in need of assistance proceeding that transfers custody of the child to the department of human services, juvenile court services, or a private agency for placement.